Acadia University and Irving Oil presented the 5th Annual Discovery Quest, a summer institute for grade 11 students from the Maritime Provinces and New England.

Matthew Bolton, now a senior at Bonny Eagle High School, was chosen to attend the program. This unique program took place June 24-30 at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Discovery Quest is an experience-based program designed to support students in their desire to learn and contribute to a deeper understanding of themselves and the world in which they live.

Nominated by their school, only 40 students who exhibit exceptional promise as university-bound students are invited to engage in this highly successful one-week program. Discovery Quest introduces students to tools to assist them in career planning, entrepreneurial thinking, interest assessments, environmental consideration, and technology.

Discovery Quest participants enjoyed a complimentary weeklong stay at Acadia University including meals and transportation. They had the opportunity to experience campus life, to meet peers from the East Coast region and to interact with academic and business leaders. With Acadia’s unique notebook computer technology as a resource, students collaborated in the development of a solution to a major environmental challenge. The students participated in a field trip to witness the challenge. Throughout the week, they set goals, created work plans and prepared to present possible solutions on the last day of the program.

The week long program was a case study about renewable energy which focused on sustainable energy and living. The student’s task was to find a site and come up with a business model for a different type of energy. Matt Bolton said “one of the best parts of the program was interacting with the professors and guest speakers and being able to talk to them about different issues surrounding energy problems.”